Happy May, everyone!  Even though it hasn’t been too tough a winter for most of us, it’s still really nice to see things blooming.   According to Environment Canada, this summer’s going to be a hot one.  So I figure the best way to get prepared for it is by desensitizing ourselves with some sizzling Blaze books!

We start off this soon-to-be-summer month with Kate Hoffmann’s NOT JUST FRIENDS.  This Wrong Bed story is the perfect summer read…because it’s set at camp!  The super shy girl and the ultra hot guy come back to the scene of their adolescent fantasies to help rebuild their childhood camp.  But will their very adult chemistry last when the summer’s over?

Next up is Karen Foley’s Uniformly Hot! book, COMING UP FOR AIR.  The sky’s the limit (at least as far as sexual satisfaction goes) for helicopter pilots Chance and Jenna.   This is the first of two linked Uniformly Hot! books by Karen Foley, both set in Afghanistan.  Watch for NO GOING BACK in July, which features Chance’s equally irresistible twin brother, Chase.

And we go from the deserts of the Middle East to the wilds of Alaska.  Jennifer LaBrecque is back in the lineup with the latest of her Alaskan Heat tales, NORTHERN FIRES.   Sven Sorenson is ready to settle down.  All he needs to do is find the right woman.  Unfortunately, he can’t seem to keep his hands off the wrong one…

Joanne Rock is up next with the second of her Double Overtime books, HER MAN ADVANTAGE.  This hockey hero is not only hot on the ice, he’s sizzling on the silver screen.  At least that’s what filmmaker Jennifer Hunter thinks.  But will Axel Rankin ramp up the PG rating of her documentary to an X before it’s all over?

And we have a brand new miniseries this month – Flirting with Justice by Wendy Etherington.  Now, we all know that doing the right thing makes us feel good.  But these three heroines haven’t a clue just how ‘good’ things are going to get when they take the law—and a hot hero–into their own hands.  Look for SIZZLE IN THE CITY this month, BREATHLESS AT THE BEACH in July and UNDONE BY MOONLIGHT in September.

Last, but not least, Karen Kendall finishes up her All the Groom’s Men miniseries this month with BRINGING HOME A BACHELOR.  Melinda’s brother’s wedding might be over…but the honeymoon-like antics between her and sexy groomsman, Pete, are just getting started.

And there, in a nutshell, are this month’s offering.  Hot enough for you?

One of the things I love most about this time of year (besides kayaking, vacation, kayaking, reading, kayaking, hiking J) is coming up with a summer project.  And I’m really excited about this year’s goal—I’m going to learn to play the guitar.  Now, I’m not exactly a newbie when it comes to music.  I’ve played the organ since I was 9, so I know a bit about the basics (like which notes belong in which chords).  But still, I’ve always wanted to learn.  I just never made the time.  But that’s about to change.  Last week, I found a gorgeous acoustic guitar for sale, and I bought it on the spot.   So now I’m committed (or ready to be committed J).  Wish me luck.

For a chance to win one of three sets of the May Blaze books, tell us know what you’ve got planned for this summer.  And if those plans include reading every Blaze book Harlequin puts out this summer, I’ll enter you twice. J

Best of luck,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Happy April, everyone!

And before you ask, my shoutline was not an April Fool’s joke.  :)  We’ve got new covers!  It seems the package we used for our 10th Anniversary books was so successful–and sold so well–that the powers that be decided that we should try it again.  So, from April on, look for those big beautiful covers you saw last August.

Here are the first six out of the gate…

We’ve got our second Bedtime Stories installment this year with BLAZING BEDTIME STORIES, VOLUME VI, featuring stories by Tori Carrington and Kate Hoffmann.  Trust me, after reading this book, you’ll never consider The Little Mermaid or Hansel and Gretel to be kids’ stuff again.  Heck, I might even leave my GPS at home next time I wander out in the woods…

Up here, hockey season is reaching the ‘do or die’ point.  But if you’re not a fan of those white-knuckle games, pick up the first of Joanne Rock’s Double Overtime duet, ONE MAN RUSH.  Joanne will show you the best part of hockey – the hot players.  Don’t miss HER MAN ADVANTAGE next month.

I was a huge hockey fan when I was a kid.  I even collected (and still have) a load of hockey cards.  Nowadays, girls are collecting other kinds of cards, though…  And after reading Jo Leigh’s miniseries, It’s Trading Men!, who can blame them?  Look for the last book in this wonderful series, WANT ME, this month.

Isabel Sharpe is up next with the first book in her own new miniseries.  Think Friends with a lot more sex!  That’s Friends with Benefits, Isabel’s latest sizzling urban trilogy.  The debut book, JUST ONE KISS, hits the stands today.  (P.S.  The guys are hotter than Chandler and Ross.)

Kathy Lyons has the Forbidden Fantasy book this month with NIGHT AFTER NIGHT…  We all have the odd sensual dream now and then, but Kathy’s heroine is in for a surprise – she’s sharing her supersexy dreams with the hot Marine next door.  And it isn’t long before they turn dreams into reality.  Hot, hot, hot!

Then Kira Sinclair finishes up the month with her final Island Nights book, RUB IT IN.  Now that the weather is turning, summer doesn’t seem so far away.  But I’d like to thank Kira for keeping us going, letting us indulge in tropical beaches and sexy island escapades while the winter wore itself out.  It was much appreciated.

There’s the month–and the fantastic new covers!  For a chance to win one of three sets of April books, let us know what you think about our new look.  And if you tell us the best April Fool’s prank you ever played, your name will be entered twice!

Good luck!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

It’s been a crazy winter, hasn’t it?  I’ve never seen so little snow in my neck of the woods.   But there’s no doubt that spring is on its way early.  The Canada geese are going crazy (they get up on top of buildings near the office and honk their heads off .  Of course, that’s because they’re geese, not because they’re Canadian ), and animals that should be hibernating are already out in droves (yes, I’m talking skunks!).   Still, I’m sure we’ll get a few more cold days before the winter is officially over.  And what better way to spend those wet, dreary spring days than snuggling up with a sizzling Blaze book?

We’ve definitely got some hot ones for you this month!  Check out the line-up:

Jill Shalvis starts things off with a bang in TIME OUT.   You know how they say you can’t go home again?  Jill’s hero, a former hockey star, now an NHL coach, finds this out the hard way.  He’s come home with a few players to rebuild after a series of wildfires.  But sparks fly fast when he finds himself face-to-face (and lips-to-lips) with his suddenly sexy childhood nemesis.

Jillian Burns is up next with the Uniformly Hot! title this month, ONCE A HERO…    This military hero is in desperate need of some R& R.  You’d think he’d find it in beautiful Hawaii.  Only once he meets the heroine, relaxing is the last thing on his mind.

Jo Leigh continues her It’s Trading Men miniseries this month with HAVE ME (and when you get a look at the hot guy on this cover, you’ll take him up on his offer!!!).   This New York cop guarantees a girl a good time.  But will it be a long time?

Kira Sinclair is also going strong with TAKE IT DOWN, the second book in her Island Heat miniseries.    Kira’s heroine suddenly finds herself in hot water (and with a very HOT guy) when she tries to reclaim– okay, steal– a painting that was stolen from her family.  Who says crime doesn’t pay?

And, not to be outdone, Karen Kendall  has a second book this month too!  Check out BLAME IT ON THE BACHELOR, part of the All the Groomsmen miniseries.  Who knew a girl could find a guy at a rehearsal dinner?  But that’s where Kylie finds gorgeous Devon.  And to think, all these years I’ve thought the only choices were chicken or fish…

Finally, Cathy Yardley’s The Player’s Club series finishes up this month with THE PLAYER’S CLUB: FINN.  Finn Macalister loves living on the edge, but he goes a little too far when he hooks up with legal counsel Diana Song.   For all intensive purposes, she’s the enemy.  And he still can’t keep his hands off her…

The month is looking pretty good, isn’t it?  I can feel the heat already…

Although we don’t have any Pet Project action this month—at least, none in the books—I’d like to ask you all to check out the animal shelters in your area, and do what you can to make things a little easier for them right now.  I know from experience that spring is a shelter’s busiest time of year, what with litters of kittens being born, baby birds falling out of nests, and bunnies being  abandoned by people who really didn’t want a rabbit for Easter.   The animals can use all the help they can get, and it definitely puts a ‘spring’ in your step when you’re the one to give it.

So, that’s the month.  For a chance to win one of three sets of the March books, tell us what spring means to you.

Happy Reading,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

I know it’s a little odd, but I love February.  Up here, it’s the perfect month for some of my favorite things – cross-country skiing, showshoeing…and sitting by the fire with a hot toddy (my beverage of choice is hot chocolate spiked with Southern Comfort–yum!).  It’s also my birthday month, something I share with a few other Blaze Babes (Tawny Weber and Sam Hunter, I’m looking at you… )   And it’s the month of one of Harlequin’s biggest celebrations – Valentine’s Day!

One of the ways we mark this special holiday is by using it as a theme in several of our books.  So check out what the Blaze authors have in store for you this month…

Our Valentine anthology this year is a special one.  Not only does it celebrate all things romantic, but it also launches another set of Blazing Bedtime Stories.  ONCE UPON A VALENTINE by Stephanie Bond, Leslie Kelly and Michelle Rowen is sure to keep you snuggling by the fire with your sweetie long after you should be in bed…

Next up is THE KEEPER, another book in Rhonda Nelson’s Men out of Uniform miniseries.  Rhonda’s hero, Jackson ‘Oak’ Martin can handle anything…except a sexy pastry chef and a ‘butter bandit’.  This is another ‘keeper’ filled with Rhonda’s whimsical charm.

CHOOSE ME by Jo Leigh is the first book in a new miniseries we’re launching this month, It’s Trading Men.  Now, as kids we all collected hockey cards, baseball cards, etc.  I haven’t a clue what happened to them.  But if I’d had a card with a hot guy like Charlie Winslow on it, I know I would have kept it close.  Of course, Charlie’s heroine, Bree, doesn’t need the card as a memento – she’s got the real thing.

Next up is the final book in Tawny Weber’s Undercover Operatives miniseries – SEX, LIES AND VALENTINES.  Gabriel Black might be a con artist–but he doesn’t stand a chance when undercover FBI agent Danita Cruz gets a hold of him…  A fantastic conclusion to a wonderful holiday series!

Kira Sinclair launches her first miniseries this month–Island Nights–with BRING IT ON.  This book has it all - a runaway bride, a best man who really IS the best man, and hot tropical nights that set the mood for romance.  And that’s only Book 1!

And finally, Cathy Yardley returns with the second book in her Players Club miniseries, THE PLAYERS’ CLUB: LINCOLN.  Linc Stone is a master at keeping secrets.  Too bad Juliana Mayfield is just as adept at getting him to bare it all…

And that’s the month – just enough to keep you busy on the last of those cold, wintry nights…

Now, on to the Blaze authors Pet Project.  We have three rescue animals showing up in our February books.  Tawny Weber’s SEX, LIES AND VALENTINES showcases a special calico girl named Pippi, from the Furry Friends Shelter in Ontario.  Since Pippi’s already found a forever home (Yay, Pippi!), we’re sending her new owners an autographed copy of her book, so they know their new pet is famous.

I also have to admit I made a mistake last month…  I got the wrong book for Piedmont and Prize, the two rescue animals available at the Northeast Shelter in Salem.  This loveable cat and dog are characters in Rhonda Nelson’s THE KEEPER, not THE PHOENIX as I said last month.  Sorry about that…

And finally, I’d like to announce that the Blaze authors have a new Pet Project – The Cat Shack in Trexlertown, PA.

The Cat Shack, Inc. is a no-kill, non-profit cat rescue organization that attempts to find permanent homes for stray and unwanted cats and kittens.

The Cat Shack serves to place three CATegories of needy cats:

* Friendly strays and kittens looking for safe, permanent homes

* Feral (wild) strays who are not suitable for inside homes and who seek safe, permanent barn homes where they can be employed as mousers.

* In an effort to help people place pets that they can no longer keep, they also post the cats picture/story and the owner’s contact info.

So there you have it – 6 fantastic new books, and another shelter worth checking out.  Anything you can do to help – making a donation, picking up a new family member, or even just passing a recommendation along– is much appreciated.

For a chance to win one of three sets of February books, let us in on your most memorable Valentine’s Day.

Good luck!  And happy February!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

I must admit, I’m really looking forward to starting over this month.  Last year was a wilder ride than I expected, especially with all the 10^th anniversary celebrations.  Don’t get me wrong – all the attention was absolutely wonderful, incredibly exciting…and ultimately exhausting. J  Maybe it’s just the time of year, but all I’d like to do right now is sit by the fire with a good book.  And if you’re feeling a little mellow too, I’ve got a few irresistible stories to tell you about….

Rhonda Nelson starts off the month with another addition to her Men out of Uniform series, THE PHOENIX.  While all Rhonda’s heroes are great – strong, heroic and honorable—it’s the heroine in this book who steals the show.  Charlie Martin believes in getting the job done, any way she can.  Even if it means a little computer hacking…  Be sure to check this one out – it’s absolutely delightful.

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! title, BORN READY by Lori Wilde.  Semper Paratus (Always Ready) isn’t just the Coast Guard’s motto – it’s Lieutenant Commander Scott Everly’s motto too.  That is until he meets a woman who knocks him off his feet, landing him between her sheets!

And Rhonda’s heroine isn’t the only girl to steal the show this month.  The heroine of Samantha Hunter’s Forbidden Fantasy, STRAIGHT TO THE HEART, is a US Marshall  who always gets her man.  Only in this story, she gets to keep him too!

Tawny Weber continues her Undercover Operative miniseries this month with SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT.  This time, prodigal daughter Maya comes back home…with an FBI agent on her arm—and in her bed!  Check out what USA Today had to say about the first book in the miniseries:   Sex, Lies and Mistletoe is sexy, smart, fresh and festive — and a must-read this holiday season.   Way to go, Tawny!

Next up is BORROWING A BACHELOR by Karen Kendall, the first book in Karen’s  All the Groom’s Men miniseries.  These stories focus on the real reason women attend weddings – to check out the hot  groomsmen!   And here’s a little insider information – one of the titles we were considering for this book was The Accidental Stripper.   How can you resist?

Finally, Cathy Yardley finishes up the month with the first book of another new trilogy – The Players’ Club.  The heroes in these books work hard and play even harder.  In the first book, THE PLAYERS CLUB: SCOTT, the hero finds out that while the tests may be arduous… the rewards can be very satisfying, especially when his sexy neighbor decides to join in on the initiation.

So, what do you think?  Can you think of a better way to start off a brand new year?

Although Blaze’s 10^th anniversary is now over, we still have one more anniversary to celebrate.  This month marks the one year anniversary of the Blaze Authors’ Pet Project.   So far, we’ve highlighted three very deserving shelters and I’ll be showcasing another one next month.  As well, we’ve managed to include more than twenty animals in our past and upcoming books and several of them have already found homes!  In fact, two of the books this month feature Pet Project animals.  Dottie, from Tawny Weber’s SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT is living happily ever after with her new forever family.  But Piedmont and Prize, from Rhonda Nelson’s THE PHOENIX, are still waiting.  If you’re interested in helping out, check out the Pet Project at BlazeAuthors.com for details.  And look for more furry friends to show up in the pages of Blaze books throughout this year.

So, are we all ready to get on the rollercoaster again?  In order to make the ride a little more enjoyable, I’ll be giving away 3 sets of the January books.  All you need to do is post a comment, letting us know what you intend to do differently this year.  Last year, one of my resolutions was to help out at a local shelter, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

Wishing you all things bright and Blazing in the coming New Year!

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor

Can you believe the holidays are here already?  I have to admit, I’ve had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit lately, and the reason didn’t occur to me until this morning – snow!  We’ve had record breaking temperatures up here, and while I normally love the warmer weather, it doesn’t inspire the usual  Winter Wonderland feelings.  But this morning we woke up to about 5 centimeters (not quite an inch) and what a difference it made.  Now it feels like the holidays.  And you know what else can inspire that Christmasy feeling – Blazing holiday books!

So here’s what you need to put on your list for Santa this month…

First up is MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer LaBrecque and Rhonda Nelson.  This collection is really cool – each author based their story on their popular Blaze miniseries.  So Vicki wrote a novella based on her Sons of Chance miniseries, Jennifer’s is linked to her Alaskan Heat miniseries and Rhonda’s included a tale that’s Uniformly Hot!  Pretty cool, eh?  This anthology will definitely make spirits bright.

Tori Carrington has the Uniformly Hot! book this month with RED-HOT SANTA.   For those of you who loved Tori’s Pleasure Secrets miniseries this summer, you’ll be happy to see that Jason’s little brother Jax is finally getting his holiday happily ever after.  And does he ever look hot in (and out of) a Santa suit….

The latest installment of Kate Hoffmann’s Mighty Quinns trilogy finishes up the month with THE MIGHTY QUINNS: KELLAN.   Santa delivers an early surprise to Kellan Quinn when he finds a beautiful woman washed up on shore.  Is she a mermaid…or his perfect Christmas present?

Leslie Kelly is up next with ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS.  Not only is this a wonderful holiday story about love lost and found…but it’s also our 50th Wrong Bed book!  Can you believe it?  Temptation and Blaze heroines have been falling into the wrong bed since 1994.  And they’re always very glad they did.

Not to be outdone, Cara Summers’ story,  SEXY, SILENT NIGHTS, is part of another very popular miniseries -Forbidden Fantasies.  And it’s sure to inspire a few naughty thoughts…

And finally, Tawny Weber finishes up the month with the first book in her Undercover Operatives miniseries – SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE.  Odd events are happening in the small town of Black Oak, California.  Black sheep, Caleb Black has come home to figure out who’s framing his dad.  And he will…if Pandora Easton ever lets him out of her bed….

So that’s the month.  And what’s really exciting is that two of these books are part of the Blaze Authors’ Pet Project.  Look for Paulie and Bonnie to greet you in Tawny’s SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE.  And watch Flash save the day in Cara’s SEXY SILENT NIGHTS.

It’s been an exciting year for Blaze.  Not only was it our 10th Anniversary, but we also saw the 10th Anniversary of The Mighty Quinns miniseries, and the 50th Wrong Bed book.  And our Pet Project has been going strong for a year now!  We’ve brought attention to three animal charities and we’ll be showcasing another next month.   It’s been really gratifying to see how everyone has rallied behind this project.  And we ARE making a difference.  Creating awareness is the first step in solving any problem.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.  For a chance to win one of three sets of December books, tell us about the kinds of things you do to celebrate this month. 

Wishing you all lots of VERY good nights….

Brenda Chin

Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Is it just me, or does it seem like the holiday season is starting earlier and earlier these days?  Our stores have been stocked with Christmas paraphernalia for more than a month now!   It’s really hard to get too excited about gory Halloween costumes when Santa’s sitting right behind them, grinning.

But like it or not, the holidays are coming, so we might as well get ready for them.  I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, ‘charity begins at home’.   Well, I believe that should include presents too.  (Especially for those of us whose husbands really don’t have a clue.  You know who you are…. )    So I’ve got a few early surprises you’re not going to want to miss….

Rhonda Nelson gets the month started with THE SURVIVOR, another book in Rhonda’s Men out of Uniform miniseries.  You’ll really enjoy the hero and heroine in this story.  They’ve both lived through life-changing experiences, but discover that nothing is as life-changing as love.  A real treat!

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! book, MODEL MARINE by Candace Havens.  Candace did a great job with this story.  And the cover….  Wow!   Is there anything hotter than a Marine…in his underwear?   Sorry girls, he’s taken.

Kate Hoffmann continues her Mighty Quinns miniseries this month with THE MIGHTY QUINNS: DANNY.  Little brother Danny can’t resist playing with fire.  He’s an artistic blacksmith who’s an expert at stoking the flames to the highest pitch.  Is it any wonder the heroine can’t resist him?

Lori Wilde is up next with INTOXICATING, a story that has all the necessary components – an undercover hero, a heroine in jeopardy…and lots of wine.  You’ll definitely want to have a glass handy when you curl up with this engaging story.

Crystal Green has the Wrong Bed book this month with ROPED IN.  When a good girl decides to fake being  a bad girl for one night,  she can find herself in some interesting places…like tied to her bed!  But since it’s bad boy cowpoke Shane Carter holding the ropes, she’s not complaining.

And finally, Marie Donovan finishes up her A Real Prince miniseries with ROYALLY CLAIMED.   Welcome to Portugal, where sexy Duke Francisco finds his temporarily-ever-after with his old flame.   Too bad nobody ever told them their story’s not supposed to end that way….

But that’s not all!  Harlequin has an early gift for all of you closet writers out there.  During the week of November 7, we’ll be hosting our second on-line conference, So You Think You Can Write.  Check out    the website, www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com, for blogs, chats, contests and webinars from Harlequin editors in all three offices.  Don’t miss it. 

And to all our American readers—and of course, my wonderful Blaze authors– HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

And for a chance to win one of three sets of this months books… Why don’t you share what it is about Blaze that makes you thankful!

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Blaze

What happened to October? Wow, time flies fast! Too fast for us to keep up sometimes – which means that I’ll have Brenda’s post up a little late today.

As most of you know, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in early October.  It’s the perfect time of year – the harvest is in, the foliage is breathtaking and the weather is probably the best we ever get.   So it’s understandable that someone in our country’s history felt the need to place Thanksgiving in this bountiful month – we’re surrounded by things we can’t help but be grateful for.

The holiday falls on October 10^th this year, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to start early.

First of all, I’d like to offer a heart-felt ‘thank you’ to our loyal Blaze readers.  Without you, none of us would have a job.

I’m tremendously grateful to the wonderful women (and man) I work with, the Blaze authors and editors.   With a team as solid as ours, how can the books be anything less than absolutely, unequivocally stellar?

And finally, I’d like to say how much I appreciate how you all (readers and authors) have embraced the Blaze Author’s Pet Projects.  Helping at pet shelters is a cause that’s very close to my heart.  It gives me a warm feeling inside when I see how many of you care for our furry friends.  After all, everyone deserves a happy ending, right?

Now, before I get maudlin, let me tell you about 6 books you’re definitely going to thank me for telling you about…

Julie Leto starts off this month with TOO WICKED TO KEEP, the last book in her Legendary Lovers miniseries.  And in this case, Julie definitely saved the best for last.  Her hero, Danny, is a liar, a thief…and a man I dare you not to fall in love with.

Next up is the Uniformly Hot! title this month, Karen Foleys’ DEVIL IN DRESS BLUES.  As always, Karen writes a military man who’s a true blue hero, through and through.  And that’s what Karen’s heroine, a journalist, desperately needs when she finds a black book filled with details that could turn deadly…

The Mighty Quinns are back—and they’re having a birthday!  Kate Hoffmann marks the 10^th Anniversary of The Mighty Quinns miniseries by setting three books in the place where it all started – Ireland.  This month, the celebration starts with THE MIGHTY QUINNS: RILEY. 

After you get back from the great party going on in Ireland, grab your boots and head north to Alaska with Jennifer LaBrecque’s latest Alaskan Heat title, NORTHERN FASCINATION.  If you’ve been following the going’s on in Good Riddance, Alaska, you’re not going to want to miss this book.     Beloved character Jenna finally gets her happily ever after…and great sex too, of course!

If a warmer setting is what you’re after, you’ll want to check out Joanne Rock’s RIDING THE STORM, the second of her Wrong Bed duet.   A hot guy, a fast boat…and a bed you can’t help climbing into (even if it is the wrong one!)   What else could a girl ask for?

And finally, Marie Donovan brings the month to a dramatic conclusion with ROYALLY SEDUCED, the second book in her A Real Prince trilogy.  This reverse Roman Holiday story set in the French countryside is a sensual adventure you’re sure to enjoy!

So…are you grateful yet?

Tell me about one Blaze book (or several, if you’re like me and can’t choose) that you’re very glad you picked up this year, and you’ll be entered in a draw to win one of 3 sets of October books.    I’ll start.  Hmmm…  How about all of them?

Happy Fall!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

September has always been one of my favorite months, followed closely by October.  Up in my neck of the woods, it’s definitely the prettiest time of year.  And after a hectic summer, I can’t think of anything more appealing than settling into a relaxing routine.

And trust me, I can use it!  This last month has been absolutely crazy, but in a good way.  Our Anniversary celebration was one for the history books.  It was phenomenal!   It seemed like there was something going on every day – blogs, contests, radio talk shows (thanks Bruce and Leslie).  I have to say, my Blaze babes really know how to throw a party!

But now it’s time to get back to normal.  If you’re like me, what’s normal this time of year is to settle into a Muskoka chair on the cottage deck with a good book (after kayaking all afternoon, of course ).  And if find you do the same thing, I’ve got some wonderful books to tempt you…

First up this month is Too Wild to Hold, the second book in Julie Leto’s Legendary Lovers miniseries.  As with all the books in this trilogy, Julie’s hero, Michael Murrieta, is a descendant of a famous masked bandit.  And the heroine will definitely attest that he’s a lover of legendary proportions.

Jillian Burns has our Uniformly Hot! title this month with Night Maneuvers.  This  Air Force Captain hero thinks winning a bet—that he will remain celibate for 30 days—will be a breeze.  Of course, he hadn’t counted on a suddenly sexy, very determined ‘friend’ tempting him to change his mind…

Kathleen O’Reilly finishes up her Harts of Texas trilogy this month with Just Give In… And that’s exactly what her heroine, Brooke Hart, does when she finds herself stuck in the small town of Tin Cup, all alone, with an extremely sexy man….

What could be better than one Wrong Bed? Two of them!  This month, Joanne Rock introduces Making a Splash, the first story in a Wrong Bed duet.  Two sleek boats, two sexy as sin brothers…two very surprised heroines.   Does a Blaze book really need anything else?  Don’t miss Riding the Storm next month.

Elle Kennedy returns to the Blaze lineup this month with Witness Seduction.  DEA agent Caleb Ford is used to some hard cases.  But keeping his hands off his suspect, Marley Kincaid, is nearly killing him.  She can’t be as innocent as she seems.  Or can she?

And finally, Marie Donovan introduces Royally Romanced, the first book in her newest miniseries, A Real Prince.  And  yes, you guessed it – it’s all about those sexy royals.  After all, why should Kate and William have all the fun?

So there’s the month.    Feel like pulling up a chair yet?

Before you get too comfortable, I’d also like to take this opportunity to introduce our next Blaze Authors’ Pet Project, brought to you by Lisa Renee Jones.  Please check out :

Safe Place cares for pets when a terminally ill owner no longer can.

Since the organization was founded by a Hospice nurse in 1996, they’ve helped over 500 pets become part of new, loving families – including 69 pets in 2010 – in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado, including Colorado Springs.

As always, please consider this shelter if you’re in the market for a pet, or just want to contribute to a very worthy cause.

We’ve updated our Pet Project page to let you know where the cats and dogs from our last Pet Project, the North East Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts, will show up.  And we’ve got three shelter cats from Furry Friends, our first Pet Project, making an appearance next month – two in Julie Leto’s Too Wicked to Keep and one in Jennifer LaBrecque’s Northern Fascination.  Don’t miss them.  They really add a lot to both stories.

Finally, for a chance to win one of two sets of September Blaze books, let us know if you enjoyed our 10^th Anniversary party.  What events did you show up for?  What did you like best?  What could we do for the 15^th?  (In publishing time, that’s just a few months away.    )

Happy September!

Brenda Chin

Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze